Starz is aiming to increase to 50+ hours of original programming in 2014 and getting over its period fixation, expanding to broader genres. Starz President Chris Albrecht says the network will focus more on contemporary storytelling “since most costume shops have run out of swords and sandals.”

He didn’t announce a pickup for “Magic City,” saying only that the final episodes carry big surprises. The misfire that was “Boss” taught him that the showrunner is the boss, Albrecht said. “We didn’t have a way to take the show after season 2 and propel it forward. If I’m going to do three, I’m going to do four and five.”

Coming up “The White Queen,” premiering Aug. 10, is a 10-episode period drama based on the War of the Roses novels by Philippa Gregory. (Gregory won over the room by saying she is “utterly indifferent” to the news of the royal baby. She’s a British republican.)

“I really wanted to be inside the medieval mind,” Gregory said, regarding the inclusion of magic in the story.

Max Irons (son of Jeremy), James Frain and Janet McTeer are terrific, judging by the first hour, which is more sexy than violent.

Also upcoming: “Dancing on the Edge,” a 1930s jazz drama, premieres in October. “Black Sails,” a pirate tale from Michael Bay, is set for November.